Keeping Goats- Angora Breed of Goat

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     The Angora breed of goat is distinctly smaller than sheep and other domestic goats. The physical characteristics include horned feature for both sexes, and obvious drooping ears.

Angora goat is a unique breed of goat originating from Angora in Asia Minor during ancient times. It is a Turkish goat from the region of Angora. Historians found references about this breed of goat right back to the era of Moses!

Around 1554, Roman emperor, Charles the fifth, took the Angora breed of goat to Europe. Mohair is the fleece taken from angora goats.

The goats possess silky coat known as mohair. Mohair has commercial value, and each goat typically yields up to eight kilograms per year.

Mohair differs from wool in terms of the elasticity of the fiber and its smoothness. Angoras are shorn twice a year but sheep are shorn only once a year. Every year an individual angora goat produces hair of around five to eight kilo grams.

Due to the hair density, they are greatly susceptible to various external parasites. Sales of mohair account for majority of income from the Angora goats herds. The very first breed was brought to Europe in 1554 but the import was not well received.

A century later, the animal was established in South Africa this marks the development of Western mohair industry. The goats were imported to the United States soon after and much of the development took place in Texas and the Southwest.

To care for the Angora breed of goat, you will need to pay attention on its diet and health. The goat should be fed with a substantial supply of hay and straw on daily basis.

Special goat mixes are prepared for their staple intake and some other foods beneficial for their growth include barley straw and sugar beet.

In terms of shelter when keeping goats, they will require draught-proof shelter. During winter, dry straw beds will keep them warm and comfortable. Note that you will have to change the beds regularly during winter.

You may also choose to keep them in on chilly days to protect them from the cold wind. It is also advisable that you observe the grounds to inspect the sprouting plants. Then, you will have a general idea what they nibble at. Some plants such as ragwort are harmful to the goats.

Specially designed salt and copper licks in the form of blocks should be made available to the goats. The blocks provide the essential minerals needed for healthy growth. Fresh and clean water supply must be provided.

The water sources will require cleaning from time to time. You should also have willow branches supply ready when keeping goats. These branches acts as natural pain killer and may be given to the goat is it seemed unwell.

Angora goats are not active like other breeds of goats. And they like to also feed on food from branches as well as leaves of trees. Angoras are suitable for clearing bushes as well as weed, as they feed on those stuffs.

Young goats will require pre-kidding injections, and another round again at 8 weeks old. You should also rid your goats of worm once every 3 months.

Angora breed of goat should be cared for kindly in order to keep them healthy and productive. Read up more on tips to care for your goat and talk to your vet if you have any questions in mind.